A STUDY ON DEMOGRAPHIC, EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL EVALUATION OF LOCALLY ADVANCED AND METASTATIC CANCER PATIENTS REGISTERED UNDER PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN UTTAR PRADESH

Aim & Objective: Themain objective of this study is to assess demographic, epidemiological and clinical distribution of locally advanced and metastatic cancer patients using statistical analysis in the largest tertiary hospital of Uttar Pradesh state, India. Study Protocol: Each patient has been assessed through precoded Palliative preformed for disease and treatment related attributes. The parameters included age, sex, addiction history and presenting complaints. Place and Duration of Study: Palliative care unit of King George Medical University, Lucknow. Methodology: A retrospective observational study including demographic, epidemiological and clinical evaluation of patients has been conducted with a sample size of 1,600 patients from Feb 2017- Dec 2019. Results and Discussion: 71% patients were found to be of 30-60years’ age group, head and neck malignancy was observed to be the most common one(c.50%). 76.1% of the patients were found to be of stage IV locally advanced and 23.9% as metastatic. Prevalence of tobacco & alcohol use was present in 70% of the sample size. All patients reported pain, 84% patients presented with loss of appetite and weight loss, 75% reported tiredness and fatigue, 36% had nausea & vomiting problems. Other problems reported included swallowing problem, bleeding, anaemia, altered bowel habit, depression and anxiety. Maximum cases were reported from central Uttar Pradesh. Conclusion: Palliative care needs and quality of life in Indian patients with advance cancer is of concern and need to be addressed with advanced developed frameworks.